Author Note: No, I do not own Harry Potter nor am I related to J.K. Rowling in any way so I won't inherit Harry Potter either unfortunately.
I have come up with many ideas but each one will be put into polls. Depending on those answers will depend on if the ideas go into play. Read Review and tell me if I made the story juicier for the reader.
Friends, Enemies, or More
Chapter One
Running Into an Old Enemy
Ginny walked through the halls of Hogwarts heading to the Great Hall so she can eat breakfast before classes began. She was anxious to begin the year and couldn't help but skip down the hall. A laugh escaped her when she realized that her brothers were no longer around to torment her and even Mr. Malfoy had graduated, so the arch enemy was gone. No more of her brothers' endless lecturing and paranoia. Even better no more would she have to walk into a room seeing Harry blanketed by twittering fan girls; knowing he didn't care that it broke her heart. Her last year of Hogwarts had arrived and with Voldemort gone she prayed the year would go by safely.
A frown crossed her face when she received her schedule. The first class on it was Potions. A feeling of unease gripped her stomach. She couldn't understand why the feeling was there. Snape wasn't around, and the other professor had already left so neither one of them could cause her any amount of pain. She took a deep breath and shook her head. I can make it through this. Just because I haven't had luck with teachers before doesn't mean I won't now. Get a grip and be brave. You're a Gryffindor it's in your blood.
Bringing herself back to humanity she hid her grimace, polished off her plate, and decided against another helping of the meal. She turned to her friend Laura a sixth year and saw her glare at the schedule in her hand. "Laura it won't catch on fire much less change with you looking at it like that. "
"It's not fair. We're witches shouldn't we be able to do what we want to unwanted papers? I don't want to go to Herbology. Professor Sprout scares me out of my wits." Ginny's friend moaned.
"Well you're right about one thing. Professor Sprout has become scarier. On the other hand though, you and I both no that Professor McGongall hexes our schedules to prevent loss of, burning, tearing, and 'accidental' spells heading its way. You'll just have to bear with it. I have Potions first and we both know how much the class makes me shake."
"Oh, you're right. You have it worse especially with the teacher you have. I'm sorry, Gin, I won't complain again, you poor soul." Laura looked at her friend with sympathy.
The look Laura gave her sent unwanted chills down her spine. "What are you talking about, Laura? Professor Slughorn has resigned once more and Professor Snape, may he rest in peace, isn't here anymore either." Ginny questioned the girl's thoughts hoping she would tell her who the god forsaken teacher was.
No such luck was given to her. "You mean you don't know. Of course you have been way too deep in your thoughts about your ex that I'd understand you wouldn't have noticed."
"Laura, spit it out. What are you talking about? I'm not distracted by, Harry. He saved my life that's all I owe him now. For all I care he can jump off a building or even a bridge with hungry Spiders waiting." Ginny growled.
"Uh-huh, you keep telling yourself that. Anyways, as I was saying you were too blind to see Ma-"
"Ginny, I think it's time you and Miss Chambers head to class." Professor McGongall interrupted Laura causing both girls to sigh with aggravation.
Laura got up, grabbed her books, and ran out the hall towards Herbology. While Ginny yanked up her own bag muttering under her breath all the way down to the dungeon. When she arrived to class and claimed her usual spot, the front table, she pulled out a quill, parchment, ink, and her wand preparing for class.
She looked up, her frustration momentarily forgotten, noticing rules on the board. Automatically, she began copying down the rules while the time before class started to pass her by. Students sat around her still laughing away about their vacation. Ginny refused to acknowledge anyone stories or questions asked of her. She didn't want to recall the long summer; she didn't even want to think about the heartache her family went through.
Three Months Ago
Ginny sat in her room tears staining her pale cheeks. They had lost so much. Her home was burned down along with everything inside. They had to stay in a house that didn't feel anything like her childhood home. Many friends and family were lost including her brother. Another tear dropped at the memory of finding out Fred had died.
The only ones that had found happiness were Ron and Hermione. Anger gripped her heart. It's not fair to flounce around showing your happiness it's wrong. So many people were lost and all you can do is pour love down everyone's throats.
The source of her anger wasn't because her brother realized he loved Hermione, but because Harry didn't hug or kiss her when victory was discovered. Instead he stayed far away while dating Cho. She should have known his feelings still lay with her. Cho was buried in his heart long before Ginny could have even tried digging.
Her throat convulsed as another flood of tears escaped her eyes. She had to find her happiness, she couldn't stay in mourning. She left her room with determination leaving behind the remorse and tears. She visited her brother's grave once more hoping that it would help her.
Fred's grave didn't look grim when she arrived. It was covered in flowers and gifts given by friends and family. She placed her own flowers on the gravestone. "I know you want me to be happy, I need some help though. I want to get up on my feet and smile once more. I can't help but grieve over your death. Mom misses you, although she's able to start ordering again, and Dad has put all his might into work. George misses you the most though. No one knows where he's at; after your funeral he just disappeared. I think he did it because both of you are identical and it's easier for us to heal without seeing you everywhere." Ginny sighed. "I promise to make everything better. I'll protect Mom and I'll move on as best as possible. I love you, Fred, and I miss you too."
She stared at the grave for a few more minutes as if Fred would show up and say "Come on sis, it's only a joke." It never happened the only thing that could be seen was gravestones, flowers, and sunlight. She rose to leave when a crush of leaves could be heard. She turned towards the sound and gasped. George stood ten feet away from her; his eyes were dark holding no light, his clothes hung loosely showing signs of weight loss, and no trace of a smile was anywhere on George's face.
She shivered at the image. Her brother disappeared and all that was left was a shell of the former boy he used to be. "George?" she asked in a whisper.
His eyes lifted to hers in answer, seeing through her rather than looking at her. "Ginny..." his voice came out in a rasp. She could tell he didn't use it very often. He might as well been dead with all the life he had shown her.
She ran forward pulling his bony hand into her soft warm ones. "Where have you been? You have to come home."
"I can't." his voice grated over her skin. "If I do Mom will get worse, and you know it. Not because of Fred, but even you are worried about my health. I don't want to return until I look like my old self again. It may take months or possibly even years."
"George, she worries we all do. You left, out of no where."
He shook his head in reply.
Ginny took the hint and sighed. "At least promise me you'll stay in contact with me. I won't tell Mom, but you are my sign I asked for. If I know I'm not the only one trying to make my life better, then it will be that much easier. We have no one else. Harry's with Cho while Ron and Hermione are so in love they can't tell who is who to them."
George was silent for a minute and nodded. "All right, but you must not tell anyone where I'm at. I can't go through that and neither can you. If they ask just tell them you're waiting as much as they are."
Ginny smiled "I promise." She hugged her brother carefully afraid he might break into pieces.
He returned the hug and kissed her on the top of her head. "I'll write you when I think it's safe ok?"
Ginny nodded releasing her brother. "Stay safe, George, for all of us."
He walked away disappearing with a pop. She stared off for a little at where George had departed, before turning to the gravestone. "Thank you, Fred. I'll help him get better I promise."
She left carrying many promises in her heart knowing they will grow to help everyone and bring things back to normal.
Present
Ginny shook her head; she still hadn't received any letters from George. She hoped it was merely because he still thought it unsafe not from him getting into some danger. She sent up a silent prayer that she would soon hear from him. She went back to writing the rules noticing most of the class had arrived.
Unseen from the shadows, their teacher smirked as he watched the students arriving early to chat and joke amongst themselves. They spread about the classroom; only a few were seen copying down the lesson plan for the day. He waited impatiently for the rest of his students to show up for class. He looked around at the ones copying the rules wanting to memorize their faces knowing each one would be great students this year. Surprise invaded his senses when he noticed a familiar red head. Others looked familiar and some he even knew but he wasn't prepared to see Ginny Weasley this early. He had expected to see her, just not until later on in the afternoon. His shock deepened when he realized she was sitting in the front of the classroom. He smiled slightly amused with the situation confronting him. You make it too easy. Don't worry I'll use that to my advantage. Drawing his attention back to the room in general, he noted that most of the students had arrived. He pulled out his wand and placed a Silencing charm on the door. He slowly drew it open, unnoticed by the students facing the other way. All of a sudden, he canceled the charm and sent a Depulso at the large wooden door. It flew back into the frame, resulting in a startling bang that had heads snapping around.
He hid the laughter threatening to ruin his stern demeanor. "Attention, class! Welcome to your last year at Hogwarts. I am, obviously, your new Potions Master, and I would like to explain my point system. All you have to do is do your work, don't disrupt class and we'll be fine. If any problems arrive five points will be taken from your house. If it continues it will add up by five meaning if you disrupt 5 times that's seventy-five points taken away from your house.
Ginny gasped softly, chills ran down her spine as she slowly looked up. She hoped against hope that she was wrong, only to discover her thoughts were right. Draco Malfoy was their Professor. Laura's rambling made sense now that she thought about, even her stomach tried to warn her. She just didn't listen; she swore she would pay more attention of her surroundings. Maybe if she had she would have been prepared for class, but instead all she could do was stare as her blood drained from her skin. She gulped slightly when his eyes met hers. Automatically her head snapped back to her paper. She wished she wouldn't have made the move because her neck was now sore.
He spoke with a smirk knowing Ginny had hurt herself because of him. A thought struck him as he watched her, what if everyone tried to pull something because they knew who he was. He would have to stop that right away but first he had to plant the seed of torture deep in the Weasley sitting before him. "I would like to announce that if I think I will have problems with you due to pre-existing conditions, I will talk to you after class in my office, one student at a time. If you disobey me, you will serve a month of detention. I am deadly serious." His voice poured ice down every one of the student's veins. They knew he was serious and didn't dare go against him. "Ginerva Weasley?"
"Ginny." She muttered, now overcoming the pain in her neck. It took everything in her to not laugh as she realized the irony of that statement.
"Ginny, then huh, fine what ever you like. You'll be my first meeting, directly after class, please." He looked in her eyes seeing the torment knowing he had succeeded. All that was left was to feed the fire. Turning back to the class he flicked his wand erasing the writing off of the board. After the rules disappeared not too long after more writing replaced the previous text with instructions for a potion. "Now, we're going to be brewing some potions for Madame Pomfrey today, just a warm-up to see what you remember from over the summer. Who can tell me the primary use and main side effect of Pepper-up Potion?" He waited for an answer and shook his head in disgust. "The Pepper-up Potion revives any person that has fainted. I want each of you to make a successful brew and put a vial of the potion on my desk with your names attached. I will be walking around instructing you. Your homework is to write me an essay describing all the qualities and side effects of this potion, at least a page long. If any one has questions I will answer them when I get to you. Now begin."
Ginny gritted her teeth in frustration as she cleared the table and gathered her ingredients. She followed the instructions as precise as possible. While the potion brewed so did her anger. It was a shock that the potion turned the grayish color it was meant to showing the potion was successfully done. She didn't even realize the vial of the brew made it to Malfoy's desk. Her thoughts were deep, frustrating, and confusing. Why is he here? He was supposed to be relaxing at home enjoying his inheritance, but he was here earning unneeded money. Why is this bothering me so bad? He's so aggravating and his delicious body will be in front of me every time I come to class. Wait I just said delicious he's far from that. He's…he's…. he does… ugh kill me now I'm now making him look like he's a hunk.
No he's better than a hunk; those lean arms show he's strong but small enough to keep a girl warm and comfortable.
You're wrong. Stop that he's the enemy, there's no way he can be that dreamy.
Aww, so you admit it, he is attractive to you. And I, being your conscience, know it.
No I don't just shut up. Ginny's teeth gritted as she tuned out her said conscience. Surprised to see class was over. She remained seated knowing Malfoy wanted to talk to her. She felt a little at ease because of the previous argument with herself and its subject. Shaking her head with a deep breath helped soothe her frazzled thoughts. A chuckle was heard behind her and she knew that she would have to refrain from retorting. Considering the said enemy had an advantage over her, she wasn't going to push him in any form or fashion.
"Did you honestly believe that I was out of your life? I can just imagine the disappointment deep with you right now. Is it irritating that I can control you; that you can't retort without losing house points?" He leaned forward getting a little to close to Ginny. When they were a breath apart he stopped looking deep in her eyes. "It will be wonderful having you in class Ginny. I'm glad to have you as a student."
Ginny's heart pounded she could have sworn Draco could hear it within the proximity he was of her. She swallowed hard, losing her thoughts and all control of her senses. All she could see, smell, and sense was Draco. She looked at him in wonder noticing his eyes weren't hard bout soft, liquid even and full of…what? She began to get confused, why did all these feelings attack her? Why couldn't she pull away? She knew the answer yet she didn't want to admit it to herself. She looked in his eyes not realizing she was leaning forward.
Draco pulled back as if struck by her. He had pushed it too far too fast. He gasped for breath knowing that not but a moment ago they were seconds from the point of no return. He couldn't let that happen not ever they weren't ever going to work out. He mentally slapped himself he shouldn't have even considered Ginny in any form of attraction. He backed away gaining distance from her hoping it would cool his blood rushing through his veins. "I hope you don't give me any trouble, Ginny. I've heard from all your teachers that you're a good student, don't make them liars. Out family feud will have to be put off till holidays. Deal?"
Ginny nodded her thoughts back to normal but couldn't speak. Why did he do that? I know he hates me so why did he get so close? She looked at him and nodded not wanting to be in a room alone with him again. There was danger there and she knew it could get worse. "Is that all?" she asked silently.
"Yes," he watched as she left and slammed his hand on the desk. "You can't lose your cool, Draco; you were so close to ruining all of your plans. Don't go there. Remember you have a job to uphold and no girl can ruin that." He heard a rush of footsteps knowing more students were arriving. His thoughts were put aside as he replaced the rules on the board and hid once more.
Ginny arrived at the common room; she felt a knot deep in her throat choking her. She refused to give into the ball of tears deep within her, at least until she was alone. She knew they were tears of hate, confusion, and frustration. She walked into the girls' dormitory seeing it was empty her resolve broke. Like a flood the tears streaked down her cheeks. Why did he have to be so cruel? Why did it affect her so much? So many questions, without any answers. She hated it. The tears turned into hiccups when she felt the remnant disappear.
At that moment Laura walked in seeing Ginny with her hands in her face. She rushed over to look at her friend. "Ginny, are you ok?"
Ginny shook her head, "He's an asshole. Why does it affect me so much? I'm not supposed to have feelings for him at all, especially now."
"Everyone could see you have feelings for him, Gin. This is normal."
A stricken look of horror crossed her face, "I do not have feelings for him. I mean it, which is why I can't understand my state at all right now."
"Well in all fairness, you two both have a history. You have been affiliated with him since your first year, even longer because of your brother. I understand it, when he dumped you for the war we both understood, but now you need to let go of that. Harry is not coming back." Laura said.
Ginny jumped away from her. "Harry?! You meant, Harry?!" A hysterical laugh escaped her chest in relief. "Oh, Laura, you scared me there for a minute. You probably think I'm mad, but till I have enough puzzle pieces I'd rather you and Darien stay out of it, ok?"
Laura stared in shock, but nodded. Who is this guy that has her so worked up? And why did she think I was talking about him when actually I was talking about Harry? Who's here that fits all of this? I'm going to find this out, for the better of Ginny.
Ginny looked out seeing the bright, twinkling, stars, she thought about the pile of homework she had to complete. Not wanting to disappoint Hermione she grabbed her books. She saw Laura was still watching her and smiled. "I'm fine, Laur, I may be going mad but it's happening slowly. I'm going to go do my homework. Why don't you come down with me so you know that I am actually fine?"
Laura nodded glad to hear from the sane part of Ginny again. They wandered down to common room, plopped down in front of the fire, and opened their books beginning their homework. For hours they were up until each assignment was complete. Not long after they climbed back to bed and slept peacefully until it was time to wake up for another round of classes.
Ginny walked to the Great Hall and found both her friends talking their heads close together. She knew they were talking about her and it hurt her. She knew Laura liked Darien but he thought he loved Ginny. She decided then and there she would have to cut it with them worrying about her so they could see they would be good for each other. She walked forward not noticing a certain professor watching her every move.
Author's Note: I know you don't know who Darien is, but that's because I don't want to bring him in yet. Not to the audience anyways. So review, tell me how I did. I hope you like it. I'm starting on the second chapter right away I just don't know when I'll get it up because I'm checking my mistakes and adding new things. I say it will be a week before I put up another one. It's hard juggling school work and writing but I'm managing. Also be sure you answer my poll I want everyone's opinion.
